UNDERSTANDING JOB | OVERVIEW

0. Introduction

a) The Bible Book Introductions are divided into 4 parts (Overview, Vital Statistics, Blueprint, Mega-themes) for easy-to-understand.

1. Overview

a) Job was tested. With a life filled with prestige, possessions, and people, he was suddenly assaulted on every side, devastated, stripped own to his foundation. But his life was built on God, and he endured.

b) Job, the book, tells the story of Job, the man of God. It is a gripping drama of riches-to-rages-to-riches, a theological treatise about suffering and divine sovereignty, and a picture of faith that endures. As you read Job, analyze your life and check your foundation. And may you be able to say that when all is gone but God, he is enough.

c) Job was a prosperous farmer living in the land of Uz. He had thousands of sheep, camels, and other livestock, a large family, and many servants. Suddenly Satan, the accuser, came before God claiming that Job was trusting God only because he was wealthy and everything was going well for him. And so the testing of Job's faith began.

d) Satan was allowed to destroy Job's children, servants, livestock, herdsmen, and home; but Job continued to trust in God. Next Satan attacked Job physically, covering him with painful sores. Job's wife to him to curse God and die (2:9), but Job suffered in silence.

e) Three of Job's friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, came to visit him. At first they silently grieved with Job. But when they began to talk about the reasons for Job's tragedies, they told him that sin had caused his suffering. They told him to confess his sins and turn back to God. But Job maintained his innocence.

f) Unable to convince Job of his sin, the three fell silent (32:1). At this point, another voice - the young Elihu - entered the debate. Although his argument also failed to convince Job, it prepared the way for God to speak.

g) Finally, God spoke out of a whirlwind. Confronted  with the great power and majesty of God, Job fell in humble reverence before God - speechless. God rebuked Job's friends, and the drama ended with Job restored to happiness and wealth.

h) It is easy to think that we have all the answers. In reality, only God knows exactly why things happen as they do, and we must submit to him as our Sovereign. As you read the book of Job, emulate Job and decide to trust God no matter what happens.